Category Archives: Uncategorized

Another glimpse into the breakup of Pitch-Black. It strikes me that there might be a good mainstream novel (or at least a Law and Order episode) in the ups and downs of running a small press.

Robert J. Sawyer, the sf writer, has a rather tiresome post insisting that science fiction is rational, whereas fantasy is not. He actually argues that the only reason for any market overlap is due to Ace Books pirating publishing Lord … Continue reading →

The unspeakably great Molly Ivins has died of breast cancer.

Daniel Blackston has announced that Pitch-Black LLC is closing its doors. Flashing Swords will stay up, but will be dormant; no new issues, it seems.

I love fantasy (including its subgenre, science fiction), I take it very seriously, especially when I’m trying to write some or read some or when I should be doing something else or when I’m breathing. I want other people to … Continue reading →

Someone has developed a caffeinated doughnut. I can hear myself getting fatter as I think about it.

I suppose many have seen this before but a link at a Gawker post (about blurbing for hire) led me to John Warner’s Blurb-o-matic. My favorite was “A fuzzy legend of renegade clowns that will leave you bowled over!”–I almost … Continue reading →

I stepped out of the house this morning into full sunlight and a light fall of snow. The sun was glaring through a rift in deep blue-gray clouds. Presently the sun closed its eye and I walked on to work … Continue reading →

I’ve been rereading C. S. Lewis’ An Experiment in Criticism for the first time in at least ten years, and I have been struck (as I often am when reading Lewis) how insightful and how dim he can be. He’s … Continue reading →

I have some negative things to say about this book, Tobias Buckell‘s debut novel, Crystal Rain, so I should begin by observing that I enjoyed it, finished it without compulsion, and recommend it, with some reservations. On with the negativity. … Continue reading →